Cycling Vietnam's Mighty Mekong Delta

Of
the Mekong delta, travel writer and sometime VeloAsia guide Michael
Buckley notes "with the delta on Saigon's doorstep you
would think the place would be overrun with tourists. Not so. This
sprawling "rice bowl" is little traveled, yet offers a wealth
of sights and experiences for those who care to explore. If you make
the effort you'll be amply rewarded. The
delta is a region of extraordinary energy and market commerce, with
burgeoning markets,
floating markets, fruit orchards, and more coconuts than you'd want to
contemplate. The delta is a relaxing place, with good food (seafood!),
pleasant river trips, travel by boat, and friendly people."

DETAILS

3 or 4-day tour from Saigon

Hybrid Cycling w/ Full Support

All Cycling Abilities

80% Paved Country Roads

Private trip (year-round)

Weather: Year-round

Hotel: Resort or Standard

Cost:
from $480 per person

Children under 12 -20%
Children under 2 free

Single
Traveler: +$288

Trek Hybrid Bike: Included

ITINERARY BRIEF

1 Saigon to Can Tho
2 Can Tho vicinity
3 Can Tho to Saigon
Optional 4th day to Chao Doc
Optional 4th Day to Phu Quoc

Much of the delta is covered with emerald green, waterlogged rice paddies sprouting fields of rice. At the mouth of the Mekong, the delta covers over 26,000 square miles and you're never far
from water in the delta, and boats in some districts are the main mode
of transportation on the crisscrossing muddy channels and streams. Intriguing in the backwaters are the floating markets,
which have disappeared in other parts of Asia.

In a hyperactive
country, the Mekong Delta is the most dynamic region. However, our
Mekong tour travels some of the quietest back roads in the country,
with frequent side trips by the delta's primary mode of transport  sampan (boat).
Drift in small sampan through bustling market places and riverfront villages, stopping
into homes, cottage industries, and crafts villages, along the way. Cycling through the bustling markets is always a highlight.

If you want to avoid hills, and enjoy Vietnam's warmest weather, this tour is also your best bet  aside
from Sam Mountain, the delta is flat as a pancake and always warm. We pause frequently
along the route to take in the people, sites, markets and other distractions.
If you are a cyclist looking for high mileage we can accommodate
a
full-day in the saddle schedule. This trip is the highest quality tour of the Mekong, not only deluxe accommodation, but also bicycles, support vehicle and experienced cycling guide.

Aside from the beautiful expanse of emerald green rice fields, there is
a short hike up Sam mountain affording views of neighboring Cambodia,
and a stop for tea at a wonderful bonsai garden. An optional visit to
the Thot Nhot Stork sanctuary is possible. Accommodation is at one of our past traveler's favorite places —French Victoria Resort in Can Tho, an oasis in the Mekong and the perfect place to relax by the pool, have a massage, and fuel up on a delicious banquet prepared by a talented French chef.

Enjoy the highest quality bicycle tour in the Mekong. Our bikes are newer, imported Trek hybrids -- perfect for cruising the Mekong. Our guides are also real cycling guides, with a minimum five years leading tours in the Mekong Delta. Of course, SOS International Emergency Evacuation Insurance is included as with all of our trips.

Almost Locals

For extended adventure, there are options for continuing on to the deserted white sand beaches Phu Quoc Island off the southern tip of Vietnam, by pleasant boat cruise to sleepy Phnom Penh Cambodia, or laying over in Chau Doc on the border. Also, consider combining this trip with two World
Heritage
Sites, one the prize of Southeast Asia: the grand Khmer temples at Angkor in neighboring Cambodia with a vast concentration of ruins that rivals the Nile Valley, and our picturesque kayak trip through the karst wonderland of Halong Bay.

Safety first: International SOS (based in Vietnam) emergency medical and evacuation services is provided for all travelers.

Pre- and post-tour care. Want to arrive and depart, enjoying your vacation with no concerns in between? We've got you covered.

Read about our trips in National Geographic Adventure, The New York Times, The Men's Journal
and dozens of newspapers and blogs. We have also been featured on NPR and documentaries.

- Knowledge. Aside from a handful of tours in Southeast Asia, we focus only on Vietnam and nobody can match our 16 years experience. Call and test us, ask us the hard questions: (415) 680-3788 or Email: info@veloasia.com

Note: we have options for longer or shorter tours in the Mekong, from 2 to
7 days in length — please
contact us for more information. This trip is suitable for children and has been done by children of all ages and we can provide a sitter to accompany you.